Bradford97

Hey guys, Im looking for some advice on swapping out my 18 year old 256k mile engine for a "reman". I have found a Marshall for $1300, and all the way up to $2900 from Jasper. Im sure someone has replaced an engin and Im trying to find out who sells a good "reman". Id love not to brake the bank, but I dont want to buy a POS.

Thanks.

Radi

Any local places with a good reputation?

macgyver35

I got my remanufacturered (as apposed to rebuilt) ATK branded longblock from 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers for $1795. It's been in since Thanksgiving weekend of last year (me and my brother did the swap), and it's doing great. It's in my 98 daily driver, with a 25 mile round trip to work every day, lots of running around on the weekends, and a recent trip from Arlington, Texas to Hot Springs Arkansas and back. 19 MPG on the highway at 60 MPH (with lift, roof rack, and about 200 pounds of gear in the back), and hot idle oil pressure of 25 PSI, and 50 PSI at anything over 1600 RPMs. No engine issues since it's been in, just ancillary stuff like TPS and IAC.

I've been really happy with it.

97AT4x4XJ

What is wrong with your engine? Does it really need replacement? Or you just feel like you have too much money?
Junk yard engine $600 with 1-3 months warranty.
First of all, you need to find a mechanic, who can diagnose your engine and tell you exactly what is wrong with it.

NorCalJeep

If it ain't broke, don't fix it LOL. What is exactly wrong with your engine? Or is it completely shot?

freegdr

Advanced auto sell ATK motors very well known ...http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...remanufactured

97AT4x4XJ

I suggest replacement of transmission and transfer case also, because they have the same mileage.
18-years old engine must be in 94 XJ, right? Well, value of your XJ with 250K miles is less than reman engine and installation.

Bradford97

Engine still runs, I drive it daily. It just burns oil after a fresh oil change and when it's HOT.

I just spent $1500 on a tranny rebuild, so I figure ill get another 18-20 years out of that might as well take care of the engine while I can, not that I can always afford it.

I don't care what face value is if it runs good and looks good its worth it to me.

It's a Jeep, they are always worth it.

Cherockee

I rebuilt mine, but to be honest I'd probably buy a reman if I had to do it again. Rebuilding a motor will usually get you better parts - brand name things instead of cheap China made parts like those used in a lot of reman'd motors. You will spend a little more... I have about $2500 in my motor- everything is new except the crank and rods. Check with a local engine builder to see what your best option is.

97AT4x4XJ

First of all you need to make sure, it burns oil, not leaks oil.
If it really burns oil, you need to know if it is valve seals or piston rings.
Valve seals replacement is probably 150-200, 2 hours job.
Engine with 250K miles cannot have good valve seals!
If it is piston rings, most likely, they are just stuck.
Drain oil, change filter and use:
1 quart of ATF
1 bottle of "stop smoke"
20W50 oil.
Just drive it.
ATF will clean up rings, stop smoke and 20W50 oil will compensate oil viscosity decrease by ATF.
If oil becomes dirty, you have to change it to the same mix.

Bradford97

Smokes out the tail pipe, so what do you think? It just seem like it would be easier to do a swaps then to replace parts one at a time.

97AT4x4XJ

blue smoke, white smoke, black smoke?
Are spark plugs black glossy? Are they equally black or darker on one side?

Seals:
smoke more when engine started cold
rings:
smoke more after engine warmed up and higher RPM

Cherockee

Being that you live in Florida the body of the Jeep should be relativly rust free. If it's clean and everything works like it should (and since you just spent a lot of money on the tranny) it would make sense to drop a new motor in that thing. With routine maintinence you'll be able to drive it for another 20 years.

Bradford97

Havent checked the plugs, its a blueish smoke, its worst after an oil change then after about two gas tanks it fades out unless engine is running 210 or higher. Im not standing at the back of the Jeep when I start it but I dont think there is any smoke when started.

Bradford97

I agree.